Let us reflect on what takes place in visible mills and draw parallels to spiritual processes within the Church. Grapes grow on vines and olives on trees, awaiting harvest for the presses typically designed for these fruits. While they remain on their branches, they seem to experience a kind of refreshing freedom—neither juice nor oil has yet been pressed out. This scenario mirrors individuals predestined by God to be shaped into the likeness of His only Son, as stated in Romans 8:29. Like the first fruit of the harvest, Christ endured affliction in His Passion. In a similar vein, those who God has chosen may enjoy worldly distractions akin to unpressed olives or grapes before embarking on their divine service. Yet, as it is written, "My son, when you approach to serve God, stand in judgment and fear, and prepare your soul for temptation" (Sirach 2:1). Every person who embarks on the work of God discovers they are entering into the process of sharpening; they will face hardships, sufferings, and trials—not for their destruction but to reach the treasures of God.
The burdens of worldly desires are stripped away like the skins of grapes. This aligns with the Apostle's exhortation to "put off the old man, and put on the new man." This transformation occurs through pressure, which is why the congregations of God in this era are referred to as "sharpeners." But who are these individuals engaged in this sharpening process? They are the sons of Korah, referred to as "tochilam" meaning the sons of the bald, explained as they could for those of us acquainted with this language through their divine service.
Undergoing the pressures of life, we are often broken, and through our attachment to fleeting and unstable things, we face sorrows and trials, which lead us to seek a rest that is not found in this life or on this earth. Here, the Lord becomes the refuge for the impoverished. Who is the impoverished one? It is the one who feels destitute, lacking support or comfort in earthly matters. Though some may have wealth, they are often more burdened with fear than joy. The instability of material riches leads to this reality. Those without such wealth, yet desiring it, are numbered among the unchosen rich, who are ultimately rejected. God values intentions, not merely the outward display of strength. The truly impoverished are stripped of worldly riches and understand their transitory nature. Their cries to God emerge from their lack of comfort and their endurance of trials flooding through their lives like oil or wine derived from pressing. Such longings point to virtuous desires, aiming solely for God. They do not cherish the things of this earth but love Him who created all. Their desires grow in anticipation of what is to come—the gifts of God are immeasurable for those who truly yearn.
Therefore, beloved, as one is able, make vows to God and bring what you can to Him. Let none look back at past pursuits, nor be swayed by former comforts. Press on until you reach the goal; our race is not of feet, but of desire. One should not claim they have arrived, for even Paul states in Philippians 3:13 that he does not see himself as having attained.
If you experience worldly passions, even in moments of joy, recognize you remain in the grind of life. When the world appears favorable, remember you are amidst trials. Acknowledge your struggles, calling upon the Lord. The apostle did not refer to trivial troubles, for some view life blissfully unaware of their disconnection from God. It is written, "While we are in the body, we are far from the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:6). Would you be content without your father? Can one be joyful without the Lord? Some may believe they are fine, yet those discerning enough to realize that despite wealth and comfort, they are still impoverished without the Lord, see their true state and call out for Him. This is the one who sings this psalm, reflecting the Body of Christ—us all, united as one.
"How lovely are Your dwellings, O Lord of hosts" (Psalm 82:1). He dwells in one place—the sharpened place—but longs for others where pressure does not exist. He flows from that yearning. "My soul longs and faints for the courts of the Lord" (Psalm 83:2). The soul does not merely strive; it longs, but why does it experience this longing? It strives for the courts of the Lord. Grapes do not strive without reason; they are pressed to become wine, flowing into vessels for preservation. Herein lies the contrast—sighs transform into joy, prayers into praise, groanings into exultations as one transitions from this world to the next.
So we hear the groaning in the winepress; my soul yearns and longs for the Lord’s courts. My heart and flesh rejoice in the living God. What causes this joy? Hope. It is rejoicing in the living God. Why should we rejoice? Because "the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for her young" (Psalm 83:3). These two creatures symbolize aspects of our existence: the heart resembles the sparrow, seeking divine shelter, and the flesh likened to the dove, which performs good works. The sparrow seeks a permanent dwelling, while the dove finds temporary rest. While the heart connects with God through spiritual contemplation, the flesh enacts good works. Absorb in good deeds guided by faith, hope, and charity—these actions are vital to living one's truth.
Many commendable works manifest through the saints' flesh, yet an understanding exists that virtues outside the Church can lack depth. Many pursue noble works without rooting their actions in faith. The dove gives birth within a nest, but the virtues born outside the Church offer no lasting refuge. Indeed, without a true foundation, nothing can thrive. Our chicks, nourished by faith, find their rest in our altars, the eternal dwelling of God.
"Blessed are those who dwell in Your house" (Psalm 83:4). If one has a personal dwelling, they possess little; possession of God's house brings true wealth. Their protection is complete, as God is their shield. Therefore, blessed are those who live within His house; they possess the heavenly Jerusalem without boundaries or hinderances since everyone shares in this abundance. In the eyes of God, brethren, all occupations arise from necessity; their fulfillment appears essential, yet only serves temporary interests—helping the needy, caring for the sick, comforting the suffering. But when we gaze beyond this earthly life, will activities continue in an eternity free of anguish?
"One day in Your courts is better than a thousand" (Psalm 83:10). With these thoughts in mind, seek a day which lasts forever, devoid of sunrise or sunset, a singular day in which we ponder not the passages of time. As we transition from a multitude of days to one eternal day, let us strive willingly.
"I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Psalm 83:11). He recognizes the path to humility, understanding that true elevation arises from the willingness to be humble. Many within the Lord's sanctuary—the Catholic Church—strive for recognition and honor, blind to the reality of humility's power. If such wisdom resided within their hearts, they would abandon their pursuits for honor and discover true elevation through godly servitude, choosing hope in Christ above relying on any other.
The Lord delights in mercy and truth (Psalm 82:12). His grace offers strength for the journey ahead. It is this mercy that reached out to save us even during our unworthiness. The apostle Paul serves as an example, transformed from a persecutor to a vessel of grace. If God's mercy could redeem such a life, how can anyone despair of forgiveness? God reaches out to us, not to demand repayment of debts but to fulfill promises. What mercy and glory can one expect? Those who place faith in the Lord will see that He does not abandon the innocent.
Life in this earthly grind, full of trials and tribulations, shall not be for naught. Let us place our trust firmly in the Lord of virtues, blessed is the man who seeks refuge in Him.
THEOSIS